Air-Fried Lasagna: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Making lasagna in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. It's quicker than baking it in the oven, and you can still enjoy the layers of flavour and texture that make lasagna so comforting and delicious. You can make a traditional lasagna with Italian sausage, ground beef, and lots of cheese, or get creative with vegetarian, chicken, seafood, or Mexican-inspired variations. The key to success is paying attention as it cooks, ensuring that the cheese is bubbly and golden without burning. With an air fryer, you can have a weeknight delight that tastes like a special event!

Choosing the right lasagna sheets

When making lasagna in an air fryer, it's important to choose the right type of lasagna sheets to ensure optimal cooking results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting lasagna sheets for your air fryer lasagna:

Type of Lasagna Sheets

There are two main types of lasagna sheets commonly used: oven-ready or no-boil sheets, and traditional sheets that require boiling before use. Oven-ready lasagna sheets are pre-cooked and can be used directly in the air fryer, saving time and effort. Traditional lasagna sheets, on the other hand, need to be boiled before assembling the lasagna.

Fresh vs. Dried Lasagna Sheets

Lasagna sheets are available in both fresh and dried varieties. Fresh lasagna sheets are already soft and pliable, so they cook quickly in the air fryer and don't require soaking or pre-cooking. Dried lasagna sheets, on the other hand, need to be soaked in water before use to soften them and ensure even cooking. Soaking dried lasagna sheets is a useful trick to speed up the cooking process, but it requires some additional preparation time.

Number of Lasagna Sheets

The number of lasagna sheets needed will depend on the size of your air fryer and the desired thickness of your lasagna. Most recipes call for around 8-10 sheets for a standard-sized lasagna, but you may need to adjust this based on your specific air fryer model and the size of your baking dish. It's always a good idea to have a few extra sheets on hand in case you need to cut or adjust them to fit your dish.

Gluten-Free and Special Diet Options

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, there are gluten-free lasagna sheet options available. Gluten-free lasagna sheets are made with alternative flours, such as rice or corn flour, and can be used in the same way as traditional wheat-based sheets. Additionally, there are lasagna sheet alternatives, such as using zucchini or eggplant slices as a low-carb or keto-friendly substitute for traditional lasagna sheets.

Brand Recommendations

When choosing lasagna sheets for your air fryer lasagna, look for reputable brands that offer high-quality products. Some recommended brands for oven-ready or no-boil lasagna sheets include Trader Joe's, Ronzoni, Barilla, and Gluten-Free brands. For traditional lasagna sheets, you can opt for fresh pasta sheets from specialty stores or make your own from scratch for a truly customised lasagna experience.

Making the white sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Garlic Powder
• Mustard Powder
• Salt
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute or two.
• Gradually add the milk to the roux, stirring constantly. It is important to keep stirring to ensure the milk is fully incorporated into the sauce and no lumps form.
• Once you have added all the milk, stir in the garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt to taste.
• Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it into the sauce.
• Finish by seasoning with freshly grated nutmeg.
• Set the white sauce aside and let it cool down. As it sits, the sauce will thicken and develop a creamy consistency.

Your white sauce is now ready to be used in your lasagna! Remember to stir the sauce occasionally as it cools to prevent a skin from forming on top. This sauce will complement the rich meat sauce and noodles in your air fryer lasagna, resulting in a creamy and indulgent dish.

Preparing the meat sauce

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F for about 3 minutes. You'll need a pan that fits into your air fryer, so choose one with removable handles if necessary. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and stir in your choice of ground meat. You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of ground beef and pork. Season the meat with garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for around 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.

Next, add your choice of tomato-based sauce to the pan. You can use a traditional marinara sauce, or get creative with a homemade meat sauce. For a truly authentic Italian flavour, add some red wine vinegar and oregano to your sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's bubbling.

And that's it! You've prepared a delicious meat sauce that will form the base of your lasagna. Now you're ready to start assembling the layers of your lasagna in your air fryer-safe dish. Remember to grease the dish with olive oil or cooking spray first to prevent sticking.

Assembling the lasagna

To assemble the lasagna, start by greasing a square baking dish that fits in your air fryer with olive oil or cooking spray.

Add a layer of meat sauce and spread it across the bottom of the dish. Top with lasagna noodles, cutting them to size if necessary. You can use either fresh or dried lasagna sheets. If using dried, it is recommended to soak them in water first until they become like fresh lasagna sheets.

Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of white sauce, and sprinkle with a small amount of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until you have used all of the red sauce.

Finally, use the remaining white sauce to top the lasagna, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Cooking and serving the lasagna

Now that you've assembled your lasagna, it's time to cook it! Place the dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to 340–360°F. Cover the dish tightly with foil, making sure it's wrapped underneath so it doesn't blow off during cooking. Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and lower the temperature to 280°F. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to make sure the top doesn't brown too quickly.

Once the lasagna is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it stand for about 5–10 minutes. This resting time is important, as it allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, then serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

If you have any leftovers, lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Simply place the leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap. To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave, but be sure to do so at a lower temperature to prevent the top from burning.

Frequently asked questions